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'Tis the Season Collection
Stranded at Pemberley: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas
I heard the sound of a door creaking down the hall, an old, heavy door from the noise of it. A man appeared, tall and frowning. He spoke and every person, including me, turned to him. “What is this?”
A DREADFUL ACCIDENT BEFALLS THE GARDINER FAMILY while travelling in Derbyshire with their niece Elizabeth Bennet just before Christmas in 1810. With her beloved aunt gravely injured, Elizabeth is forced to seek help from the inhabitants of the grand Pemberley estate.
THE FORMERLY HAPPY PARTY finds itself stranded at Pemberley, a hauntingly beautiful albeit empty, joyless, and sometimes frightening estate. Its master is taciturn and unwelcoming, and it is the very last place in the world that Elizabeth wanted or expected to spend Christmas.
ELIZABETH’S NATURAL SPIRITS cannot be repressed however, and amid trying to create Christmas joy for the Gardiner children and tend to her aunt, she begins to ask questions. Who is the nameless soldier who comes and goes? And who is the feminine figure she glimpses time and again? Who is the real master of Pemberley--the handsome and inscrutable Mr Darcy, or the unexpectedly kind gentleman who seems to wish to spend time with her?
WHAT IS THE REASON for the strange dark sadness that hangs over the place--despite the season—and can Elizabeth, with the magic of Christmas, be the one to break it?
A DREADFUL ACCIDENT BEFALLS THE GARDINER FAMILY while travelling in Derbyshire with their niece Elizabeth Bennet just before Christmas in 1810. With her beloved aunt gravely injured, Elizabeth is forced to seek help from the inhabitants of the grand Pemberley estate.
THE FORMERLY HAPPY PARTY finds itself stranded at Pemberley, a hauntingly beautiful albeit empty, joyless, and sometimes frightening estate. Its master is taciturn and unwelcoming, and it is the very last place in the world that Elizabeth wanted or expected to spend Christmas.
ELIZABETH’S NATURAL SPIRITS cannot be repressed however, and amid trying to create Christmas joy for the Gardiner children and tend to her aunt, she begins to ask questions. Who is the nameless soldier who comes and goes? And who is the feminine figure she glimpses time and again? Who is the real master of Pemberley--the handsome and inscrutable Mr Darcy, or the unexpectedly kind gentleman who seems to wish to spend time with her?
WHAT IS THE REASON for the strange dark sadness that hangs over the place--despite the season—and can Elizabeth, with the magic of Christmas, be the one to break it?
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2021
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January 3, 2026
I shut the door behind me. At once, I felt better. There is something fundamental in the desire to have a door to close, sealing out the rest of the world. ~ Abby Geni
“Stranded at Pemberley” takes place prior to the canon date of Pride & Prejudice. Elizabeth is 19 and has never met the Bingleys or Darcys.
The stranding begins when a carriage accident occurs near the entrance to Pemberley. Elizabeth is traveling with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner and their two daughters, Rebecca and Veronica. Minor injuries trouble the travelers except for Mrs. Gardiner who is more gravely afflicted. Elizabeth is able to run to Pemberley and begs for help at the house.
Quote from the book: My uncle was still by the broken carriage, his ashen face looking down at where my aunt remained. I broke free of the carriage the moment it slowed to a stop and went to my uncle, but he hardly seemed to see me.
The tall man began barking instructions to his servants and within a short time, my poor aunt was removed from the debris and loaded onto a flat panel to be put within the carriage I had arrived in. It was carefully but quickly done. I tried to help but a young man in a green neckcloth said “There’s no need miss.” Therefore, I bit my lip and joined the children, whom I held close to my breast and in the strongest grip I could.
Once at Pemberley, the local doctor determines Mrs. Gardiner must remain in bed and cannot continue the journey. The family is invited to remain. It is clear they will not reach Hertfordshire in time for Christmas.
In a soulmate we find not company but a completed solitude. ~ Robert Brault
Quote from the book: Once out of the room in which I had spent so long, I found myself pacing, almost running down the waiting corridors. Our chambers were on a corridor flanked by doors and lined by a plush red carpet that was comfortable under my slippers. I turned a corner and there was another great corridor, much the same. In the distance, I heard clocks chiming, but I did not know the time.
When Elizabeth meets Darcy in the house, it is clear he hides something. The servants are efficient but quiet. The house has a secret. A young lady is glimpsed occasionally at an upper-floor window. Who is she? Why is she confined upstairs? Why is Mr. Darcy so seldom seen? Why does he not take his meals with Elizabeth and Mr. Gardiner? Most important for Rebecca: where is the Yule Log!
And still, Mrs. Gardiner struggles to recover.
Quote from the book: Everything looked different and altogether more dangerous. In the centre of the room, my aunt’s bed seemed enormous, like the ship depicted in Turner’s The Shipwreck which she and I had seen together not so long ago. Her form, in its centre, was tiny, and writhing about dreadfully, sheets twisted, covers cast off. A bowl of water and a pile of linens lay on the floor.
Eventually, we see that Elizabeth and the Gardiners are not the only people stranded at Pemberley.
The Darcys’ mystery could have been more developed and in a longer novel, I would criticize that. But in a novella, that isn’t as important.
In the end, the story is a tale of two Christmases and is very well-told.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“Stranded at Pemberley” takes place prior to the canon date of Pride & Prejudice. Elizabeth is 19 and has never met the Bingleys or Darcys.
The stranding begins when a carriage accident occurs near the entrance to Pemberley. Elizabeth is traveling with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner and their two daughters, Rebecca and Veronica. Minor injuries trouble the travelers except for Mrs. Gardiner who is more gravely afflicted. Elizabeth is able to run to Pemberley and begs for help at the house.
Quote from the book: My uncle was still by the broken carriage, his ashen face looking down at where my aunt remained. I broke free of the carriage the moment it slowed to a stop and went to my uncle, but he hardly seemed to see me.
The tall man began barking instructions to his servants and within a short time, my poor aunt was removed from the debris and loaded onto a flat panel to be put within the carriage I had arrived in. It was carefully but quickly done. I tried to help but a young man in a green neckcloth said “There’s no need miss.” Therefore, I bit my lip and joined the children, whom I held close to my breast and in the strongest grip I could.
Once at Pemberley, the local doctor determines Mrs. Gardiner must remain in bed and cannot continue the journey. The family is invited to remain. It is clear they will not reach Hertfordshire in time for Christmas.
In a soulmate we find not company but a completed solitude. ~ Robert Brault
Quote from the book: Once out of the room in which I had spent so long, I found myself pacing, almost running down the waiting corridors. Our chambers were on a corridor flanked by doors and lined by a plush red carpet that was comfortable under my slippers. I turned a corner and there was another great corridor, much the same. In the distance, I heard clocks chiming, but I did not know the time.
When Elizabeth meets Darcy in the house, it is clear he hides something. The servants are efficient but quiet. The house has a secret. A young lady is glimpsed occasionally at an upper-floor window. Who is she? Why is she confined upstairs? Why is Mr. Darcy so seldom seen? Why does he not take his meals with Elizabeth and Mr. Gardiner? Most important for Rebecca: where is the Yule Log!
And still, Mrs. Gardiner struggles to recover.
Quote from the book: Everything looked different and altogether more dangerous. In the centre of the room, my aunt’s bed seemed enormous, like the ship depicted in Turner’s The Shipwreck which she and I had seen together not so long ago. Her form, in its centre, was tiny, and writhing about dreadfully, sheets twisted, covers cast off. A bowl of water and a pile of linens lay on the floor.
Eventually, we see that Elizabeth and the Gardiners are not the only people stranded at Pemberley.
The Darcys’ mystery could have been more developed and in a longer novel, I would criticize that. But in a novella, that isn’t as important.
In the end, the story is a tale of two Christmases and is very well-told.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2021
“You can’t lead people to where you’ve not been yourself. When you all get stranded, you need the knowledge of someone who knows the way!” –Israelmore Ayivor, Leaders’ Watchwords
Update: purchased a copy for my personal library.
Rating: Clean. Angst Level: Low-to-Medium due to stressors related to an accident and concerns over the recovery of a loved one. Also, the mystery of the lady in the upstairs window. Source: ARC from the publisher with no expectations of a review. Seasonal: Christmas: From the Quills & Quartos Publishing Christmas anthology project ‘Tis the Season Collection: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas. 6-Chapters + epilogue + author pages with short blurbs of the author’s other works.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
Our variation started with a carriage accident at the entrance to the lane leading to Pemberley. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, along with their niece Elizabeth, were headed home from their sojourn in Derbyshire when the worst happened. With several injured, Lizzy took it upon herself and literally ran the distance to the estate’s manor for help. Darcy, although shocked at the stranger’s appearance, snapped to and managed the recovery of the injured parties. They were given accommodations and the physician was called. It would be sometime before Mrs. Gardiner would be well enough for them to leave Pemberley.
“She wasn’t ready for this kind of distraction he caused her. It was bad enough she found him attractive, but having an attractive man […] was just asking for trouble.” –J. C. Valentine, Stranded
The timeline for this variation was a year earlier than canon and that put Elizabeth at nineteen. There was a decidedly gothic feel to the story. Pemberley was a dark place with a mystery hanging about its many halls and especially around the master of the estate. Darcy was an enigma that Elizabeth was constantly trying to figure out. She didn’t understand him nor the way he looked at her. She constantly felt everything she did was wrong or that she had crossed some imaginary line that evoked his anger. This was her POV so we didn’t know what Darcy was thinking until he told her his thoughts. Things were not right at Pemberley and it was nearly the end of the story before we discovered what had actually happened. The HEA was sweet and cute. I enjoyed it and recommend it for a different take on our favorite Austen characters.
“And are you prepared to encounter all the horrors that a building such as “what one reads about” may produce? Have you a stout heart? Nerves fit for sliding panels and tapestry?” –Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
Update: purchased a copy for my personal library.
Rating: Clean. Angst Level: Low-to-Medium due to stressors related to an accident and concerns over the recovery of a loved one. Also, the mystery of the lady in the upstairs window. Source: ARC from the publisher with no expectations of a review. Seasonal: Christmas: From the Quills & Quartos Publishing Christmas anthology project ‘Tis the Season Collection: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas. 6-Chapters + epilogue + author pages with short blurbs of the author’s other works.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
Our variation started with a carriage accident at the entrance to the lane leading to Pemberley. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, along with their niece Elizabeth, were headed home from their sojourn in Derbyshire when the worst happened. With several injured, Lizzy took it upon herself and literally ran the distance to the estate’s manor for help. Darcy, although shocked at the stranger’s appearance, snapped to and managed the recovery of the injured parties. They were given accommodations and the physician was called. It would be sometime before Mrs. Gardiner would be well enough for them to leave Pemberley.
“She wasn’t ready for this kind of distraction he caused her. It was bad enough she found him attractive, but having an attractive man […] was just asking for trouble.” –J. C. Valentine, Stranded
The timeline for this variation was a year earlier than canon and that put Elizabeth at nineteen. There was a decidedly gothic feel to the story. Pemberley was a dark place with a mystery hanging about its many halls and especially around the master of the estate. Darcy was an enigma that Elizabeth was constantly trying to figure out. She didn’t understand him nor the way he looked at her. She constantly felt everything she did was wrong or that she had crossed some imaginary line that evoked his anger. This was her POV so we didn’t know what Darcy was thinking until he told her his thoughts. Things were not right at Pemberley and it was nearly the end of the story before we discovered what had actually happened. The HEA was sweet and cute. I enjoyed it and recommend it for a different take on our favorite Austen characters.
“And are you prepared to encounter all the horrors that a building such as “what one reads about” may produce? Have you a stout heart? Nerves fit for sliding panels and tapestry?” –Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
November 1, 2021
There were times in the beginning when this story made me think of Jane Eyre with a mysterious lady appearing in windows and the host being all mysterious and even racing to the music room when he hears Elizabeth playing the pianoforte.
Elizabeth and Darcy have never met. Bingley never leased Netherfield and no insult was spoken at the Assembly.
Touring in Derbyshire with the Gardiners and their two children, Elizabeth is forced to run for help when their carriage overturns and her aunt is injured and unconscious. The nearest residence is Pemberley. Darcy does come to the rescue and the family is installed at Pemberley while a doctor is sent for. The housekeeper is not only friendly and helpful but also full of praise for the master.
Elizabeth takes turns with her uncle sitting with her aunt and she also has to take time to entertain her two cousins, who are not only active youngsters but have worries about their mother. While taking some time to also walk for her own peace and comfort, Elizabeth notices on several occasions a young lady dressed in her nightclothes staring down from a window. No mention has been made of a wife or sister, could it be a mistress?
I don't want to spoil the story by revealing the role of that lady and how Elizabeth makes her acquaintance. But Elizabeth's efforts in that department reveal even more of her caring nature to the silent and brooding man who is the master of Pemberley. And then he changes his attitude towards her.
I thought the ending was abrupt. I wanted more, especially in the romance department.
I borrowed this story from KU.
Elizabeth and Darcy have never met. Bingley never leased Netherfield and no insult was spoken at the Assembly.
Touring in Derbyshire with the Gardiners and their two children, Elizabeth is forced to run for help when their carriage overturns and her aunt is injured and unconscious. The nearest residence is Pemberley. Darcy does come to the rescue and the family is installed at Pemberley while a doctor is sent for. The housekeeper is not only friendly and helpful but also full of praise for the master.
Elizabeth takes turns with her uncle sitting with her aunt and she also has to take time to entertain her two cousins, who are not only active youngsters but have worries about their mother. While taking some time to also walk for her own peace and comfort, Elizabeth notices on several occasions a young lady dressed in her nightclothes staring down from a window. No mention has been made of a wife or sister, could it be a mistress?
I don't want to spoil the story by revealing the role of that lady and how Elizabeth makes her acquaintance. But Elizabeth's efforts in that department reveal even more of her caring nature to the silent and brooding man who is the master of Pemberley. And then he changes his attitude towards her.
I thought the ending was abrupt. I wanted more, especially in the romance department.
I borrowed this story from KU.
November 14, 2021
A wonderful story
I really enjoyed this story. It was totally different but yet close to the characters in canon. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a nice and happy in the end story.
I really enjoyed this story. It was totally different but yet close to the characters in canon. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a nice and happy in the end story.
October 25, 2021
Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy first meet under very different circumstances in this interesting novella. As the story begins, Elizabeth is traveling contentedly with the Gardiners and their two small children near Lambton, admiring the snow-covered landscape with Christmas approaching. She's jolted from her reverie when the carriage abruptly slides and rolls on its side, severely injuring her aunt and the coachmen and sending her distraught uncle into shock. It's left to her to take charge and make her way through the snowy fields to find help.
The nearest dwelling happens to be Pemberley, and its master and staff are quick to rescue the travelers and provide excellent care. Unfortunately, Mrs. Gardiner's critical condition makes it impossible for them to leave until she either recovers or succumbs to her injuries.
Although the servants are very accommodating, Elizabeth senses they're hiding something, and there's an air of mystery within the estate. She does her best to entertain the children and keep them from disrupting the staff's usual routine. Mr. Darcy makes Elizabeth especially uncomfortable; while his hospitality can't be faulted, his manners are brusque and guarded. With all of that plus her aunt's life hanging by a thread, Elizabeth anticipates a gloomy Christmas in this strange house.
Ms. James's writing is lovely. She adopts a lightly gothic tone, which fits the primary storyline. While readers have to guess the details, it's not long before those familiar with Pride and Prejudice will probably be able to discern the general nature of Pemberley's secret (which isn't terribly dark), though Elizabeth remains unenlightened for quite a while. I can see some similarity to Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol because the atmosphere shifts with the tale's ending to be completely bright and happy.
The point of view is limited to Elizabeth's, with Mr. Darcy shown only from her perspective without revealing any of his unspoken thoughts. The romance is subtle but definitely present. The two get extensive page time with no complications from the dysfunctional Bennet family, the Bingley sisters, Lady Catherine, or Mr. Wickham. The setting briefly moves to Longbourn near the end; however, Pemberley is where the plot chiefly unfolds.
Considering the drastic alterations, this may not be a true P&P variation, but it's definitely P&P-inspired. Ms. James finds a perfect balance of mystery, romance, and Christmas, making this a perfectly satisfying read.
Content is clean.
I receIved a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The nearest dwelling happens to be Pemberley, and its master and staff are quick to rescue the travelers and provide excellent care. Unfortunately, Mrs. Gardiner's critical condition makes it impossible for them to leave until she either recovers or succumbs to her injuries.
Although the servants are very accommodating, Elizabeth senses they're hiding something, and there's an air of mystery within the estate. She does her best to entertain the children and keep them from disrupting the staff's usual routine. Mr. Darcy makes Elizabeth especially uncomfortable; while his hospitality can't be faulted, his manners are brusque and guarded. With all of that plus her aunt's life hanging by a thread, Elizabeth anticipates a gloomy Christmas in this strange house.
Ms. James's writing is lovely. She adopts a lightly gothic tone, which fits the primary storyline. While readers have to guess the details, it's not long before those familiar with Pride and Prejudice will probably be able to discern the general nature of Pemberley's secret (which isn't terribly dark), though Elizabeth remains unenlightened for quite a while. I can see some similarity to Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol because the atmosphere shifts with the tale's ending to be completely bright and happy.
The point of view is limited to Elizabeth's, with Mr. Darcy shown only from her perspective without revealing any of his unspoken thoughts. The romance is subtle but definitely present. The two get extensive page time with no complications from the dysfunctional Bennet family, the Bingley sisters, Lady Catherine, or Mr. Wickham. The setting briefly moves to Longbourn near the end; however, Pemberley is where the plot chiefly unfolds.
Considering the drastic alterations, this may not be a true P&P variation, but it's definitely P&P-inspired. Ms. James finds a perfect balance of mystery, romance, and Christmas, making this a perfectly satisfying read.
Content is clean.
I receIved a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2021
A reclusive Mr. Darcy?
After visiting Mrs. Gardiner’s relations and as they are returning to Longbourn, Elizabeth, the Gardiners and two of their children are involved in a carriage accident. Mrs. Gardiner is seriously injured and Elizabeth runs to a great house (Pemberley) for help. Mr. Darcy and his servants bring them all back to his home to recover. With Christmas approaching, there is no doubt they will be unable to join the family at Longbourn.
In this tale, Elizabeth is only 19 years of age and has never met Mr. Darcy before. She doesn’t quite know what to make of this somewhat reclusive man, who extended his kindness and hospitality, but is often severe in countenance and seems short of temper. She finds herself wanting to flee from him at times. And who is the mystery woman who is seen in a window by Elizabeth and her two Gardiner cousins?
The beginning pages of this excellent novella surrounding the accident are very gripping. It’s a short story so it’s hard not to give too much away. I highly recommend this book—the fifth I’ve read in the ‘Tis the Season Collection from Quills & Quartos Publishing. It’s such a treat for readers to have all these wonderful authors getting together to compile this collection.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After visiting Mrs. Gardiner’s relations and as they are returning to Longbourn, Elizabeth, the Gardiners and two of their children are involved in a carriage accident. Mrs. Gardiner is seriously injured and Elizabeth runs to a great house (Pemberley) for help. Mr. Darcy and his servants bring them all back to his home to recover. With Christmas approaching, there is no doubt they will be unable to join the family at Longbourn.
In this tale, Elizabeth is only 19 years of age and has never met Mr. Darcy before. She doesn’t quite know what to make of this somewhat reclusive man, who extended his kindness and hospitality, but is often severe in countenance and seems short of temper. She finds herself wanting to flee from him at times. And who is the mystery woman who is seen in a window by Elizabeth and her two Gardiner cousins?
The beginning pages of this excellent novella surrounding the accident are very gripping. It’s a short story so it’s hard not to give too much away. I highly recommend this book—the fifth I’ve read in the ‘Tis the Season Collection from Quills & Quartos Publishing. It’s such a treat for readers to have all these wonderful authors getting together to compile this collection.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2023
Reread Jan 1, 2023. I won’t include this again on my Christmas JAFF reading list. It’s mediocre.
—————————-
This was okay for a short story. Perhaps too short to really see ODC interact? I didn’t get the Darcy + Elizabeth 4evah feels. There was also a bit of Saint Elizabeth going on and that turned me off.
I was expecting…more? This author also wrote one of my favorite JAFF P&P retellings, Suddenly Mrs Darcy.
—————————-
This was okay for a short story. Perhaps too short to really see ODC interact? I didn’t get the Darcy + Elizabeth 4evah feels. There was also a bit of Saint Elizabeth going on and that turned me off.
I was expecting…more? This author also wrote one of my favorite JAFF P&P retellings, Suddenly Mrs Darcy.
December 27, 2024
new take on meeting Elizabeth. LOVED IT!
October 26, 2021
Carriage accident
The Gardiners, Lizzy, and two of the Gardner’s daughters have their carriage breakdown on the way to Lambton. An awful accident occurs. Mrs. Gardiner is hurt badly and the only person not hurt is Lizzy. One of the drivers points to a road to an estate, Pemberley, and Lizzy run to it, about a mile, to get help. This is how our dear couple meet.
The rest of the story is quite the page turner and is an excellent novella. Everyone’s life is turned upside down and a Christmas miracle, well not really a miracle, happens to everyone in the story.
I liked the story a great deal.
The Gardiners, Lizzy, and two of the Gardner’s daughters have their carriage breakdown on the way to Lambton. An awful accident occurs. Mrs. Gardiner is hurt badly and the only person not hurt is Lizzy. One of the drivers points to a road to an estate, Pemberley, and Lizzy run to it, about a mile, to get help. This is how our dear couple meet.
The rest of the story is quite the page turner and is an excellent novella. Everyone’s life is turned upside down and a Christmas miracle, well not really a miracle, happens to everyone in the story.
I liked the story a great deal.
March 9, 2023
Status: Read December 10-14, 2021
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
My Library Notes:
Stranded at Pemberley: A Pride & Prejudice Novella ('Tis the Season Collection)
by Jenetta James
Kindle Edition, 79 pages
Published October 25th, 2021 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ASIN: B09H4ZBRZ6
[ kindle doc ~ giveaway winner ]
I heard the sound of a door creaking down the hall, an old, heavy door from the noise of it. A man appeared, tall and frowning. He spoke and every person, including me, turned to him. “What is this?”
A DREADFUL ACCIDENT BEFALLS THE GARDINER FAMILY while travelling in Derbyshire with their niece Elizabeth Bennet just before Christmas in 1810. With her beloved aunt gravely injured, Elizabeth is forced to seek help from the inhabitants of the grand Pemberley estate.
THE FORMERLY HAPPY PARTY finds itself stranded at Pemberley, a hauntingly beautiful albeit empty, joyless, and sometimes frightening estate. Its master is taciturn and unwelcoming, and it is the very last place in the world that Elizabeth wanted or expected to spend Christmas.
ELIZABETH’S NATURAL SPIRITS cannot be repressed however, and amid trying to create Christmas joy for the Gardiner children and tend to her aunt, she begins to ask questions. Who is the nameless soldier who comes and goes? And who is the feminine figure she glimpses time and again? Who is the real master of Pemberley--the handsome and inscrutable Mr Darcy, or the unexpectedly kind gentleman who seems to wish to spend time with her?
WHAT IS THE REASON for the strange dark sadness that hangs over the place--despite the season—and can Elizabeth, with the magic of Christmas, be the one to break it?
STRANDED AT PEMBERLEY is a Pride and Prejudice novella length variation.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
My Library Notes:
Stranded at Pemberley: A Pride & Prejudice Novella ('Tis the Season Collection)
by Jenetta James
Kindle Edition, 79 pages
Published October 25th, 2021 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ASIN: B09H4ZBRZ6
[ kindle doc ~ giveaway winner ]
I heard the sound of a door creaking down the hall, an old, heavy door from the noise of it. A man appeared, tall and frowning. He spoke and every person, including me, turned to him. “What is this?”
A DREADFUL ACCIDENT BEFALLS THE GARDINER FAMILY while travelling in Derbyshire with their niece Elizabeth Bennet just before Christmas in 1810. With her beloved aunt gravely injured, Elizabeth is forced to seek help from the inhabitants of the grand Pemberley estate.
THE FORMERLY HAPPY PARTY finds itself stranded at Pemberley, a hauntingly beautiful albeit empty, joyless, and sometimes frightening estate. Its master is taciturn and unwelcoming, and it is the very last place in the world that Elizabeth wanted or expected to spend Christmas.
ELIZABETH’S NATURAL SPIRITS cannot be repressed however, and amid trying to create Christmas joy for the Gardiner children and tend to her aunt, she begins to ask questions. Who is the nameless soldier who comes and goes? And who is the feminine figure she glimpses time and again? Who is the real master of Pemberley--the handsome and inscrutable Mr Darcy, or the unexpectedly kind gentleman who seems to wish to spend time with her?
WHAT IS THE REASON for the strange dark sadness that hangs over the place--despite the season—and can Elizabeth, with the magic of Christmas, be the one to break it?
STRANDED AT PEMBERLEY is a Pride and Prejudice novella length variation.
December 18, 2025
A gentle mystery with lovely characterisation.
March 27, 2022
Avid Reader
Wonderful story! Mrs. Gardiner is I'll and Mr. Gardiner sprains his ankle on Pemberly land. Elizabeth runs like the wind to the manner house for help. Darcy is impressed with her, especially when she is able to get Georgina out of her rooms. He accompanied them part of the way as he wishes to court her despite what he learns about Mrs. Bennet. Darcy remains faithful!
Wonderful story! Mrs. Gardiner is I'll and Mr. Gardiner sprains his ankle on Pemberly land. Elizabeth runs like the wind to the manner house for help. Darcy is impressed with her, especially when she is able to get Georgina out of her rooms. He accompanied them part of the way as he wishes to court her despite what he learns about Mrs. Bennet. Darcy remains faithful!
December 30, 2022
This story is perfect for a cozy afternoon read. It’s short, but there’s a gothic vibe going and a satisfying epilogue.
November 11, 2021
4.5 stars. Other reviewers gave a good short overview of the story so won’t add to that. What I liked: well thought out short story, engaging, kept my interest. What I wasn’t crazy about: the courtship could have been elaborated better. It’s as though the moment they both realize they like each other, the story just gave a quick summary of what happened next and ended. It would have been so great if it was a full length novel instead.
Though wish I got more insight on Darcys direct thoughts/feelings (this is all told from Lizzy’s POV only), I was still able to understand what be was likely thinking and feeling based on his actions (which I LOVED as I didn’t need to be TOLD how he felt!! Love when authors can convey this through action).
Overall, short sweet read. You can read this in one sitting.
Though wish I got more insight on Darcys direct thoughts/feelings (this is all told from Lizzy’s POV only), I was still able to understand what be was likely thinking and feeling based on his actions (which I LOVED as I didn’t need to be TOLD how he felt!! Love when authors can convey this through action).
Overall, short sweet read. You can read this in one sitting.
May 29, 2023
Very good
I enjoyed the story, Darcy was a good host and the gradual development of feelings between he and Lizzy was very interesting. Glad of the healing of miss Darcy, liked no overt mention of GW except by narrative. Nice epilogue!
I enjoyed the story, Darcy was a good host and the gradual development of feelings between he and Lizzy was very interesting. Glad of the healing of miss Darcy, liked no overt mention of GW except by narrative. Nice epilogue!
October 31, 2021
Wonderful
Before the events of P&P, when Elizabeth is nineteen years old, she's in Derbyshire in mid December with the Gardiners to visit a relation who is gravely ill. On their way home they have a terrible carriage accident, while on Pemberly property, resulting in a serious injury to Mrs Gardiner.Elizabeth runs to Pemberly house and enlists help for several injured people in her party. They are all given shelter at Pemberly, and so Elizabeth meets Mr Darcy.
The story is presented in a deliciously dark tone to begin with. It's winter, so the weather is bleak. There is the Jane Eyre-like broody and somber master of the house, as well as a mysterious woman in a window, and some sinister conversations overheard. The house is cavernous and joyless, even though the Christmas season is near. However, the servants and housekeeper are friendly enough. Mrs Gardiner's health is, at first, in danger, which adds to the dark and sinister atmosphere.
We have our beloved spunky, energetic, and curious Elizabeth, who holds everything together, nursing her aunt and entertaining two young Gardiner girls, while dealing with the strange household, since Mr Gardiner seems to be too worried about his wife to be much help. Elizabeth is truly an admirable young woman in this version, and her qualities eventually garner the notice of the master of the house.
The book starts out beautifully, with an engaging and interesting story, with some twists and turns to keep us guessing. If I have any criticism of the book, it's that this should have been a full length novel. The author has created a beginning that begs to be fleshed out further. But instead, the book rushes to an ending, and doesn't give us the satisfaction of a developing love story. I know this is a seasonal short story, but it felt like a lost opportunity. As soon as Mr Darcy starts to loosen up a little, the rest is just a narrative epilogue.
However, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it.
Before the events of P&P, when Elizabeth is nineteen years old, she's in Derbyshire in mid December with the Gardiners to visit a relation who is gravely ill. On their way home they have a terrible carriage accident, while on Pemberly property, resulting in a serious injury to Mrs Gardiner.Elizabeth runs to Pemberly house and enlists help for several injured people in her party. They are all given shelter at Pemberly, and so Elizabeth meets Mr Darcy.
The story is presented in a deliciously dark tone to begin with. It's winter, so the weather is bleak. There is the Jane Eyre-like broody and somber master of the house, as well as a mysterious woman in a window, and some sinister conversations overheard. The house is cavernous and joyless, even though the Christmas season is near. However, the servants and housekeeper are friendly enough. Mrs Gardiner's health is, at first, in danger, which adds to the dark and sinister atmosphere.
We have our beloved spunky, energetic, and curious Elizabeth, who holds everything together, nursing her aunt and entertaining two young Gardiner girls, while dealing with the strange household, since Mr Gardiner seems to be too worried about his wife to be much help. Elizabeth is truly an admirable young woman in this version, and her qualities eventually garner the notice of the master of the house.
The book starts out beautifully, with an engaging and interesting story, with some twists and turns to keep us guessing. If I have any criticism of the book, it's that this should have been a full length novel. The author has created a beginning that begs to be fleshed out further. But instead, the book rushes to an ending, and doesn't give us the satisfaction of a developing love story. I know this is a seasonal short story, but it felt like a lost opportunity. As soon as Mr Darcy starts to loosen up a little, the rest is just a narrative epilogue.
However, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it.
December 2, 2021
Well-written and well worth the read but ends abruptly
This brief variation is highly recommended for those who are pressed for time. Satisfying because of how well the author words everything; every word counts. The only down side to this is how sudden the story ended, albeit it being a happily ever after. This reader hoped the ending was drawn out more.
The premise of this variation is that Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy meet long before the Meryton Assembly, brought together by an accident that may have turned tragic if not for the generous deeds and swift action by the gentleman in question. The Gardiners and Elizabeth Bennet end up being stranded in Mr. Darcy’s estate as titled. This is where our beloved couple begins to know each other and discover their feelings for one another. Written solely in Elizabeth’s point-of-view. More like a manuscript for a longer more elaborate novel, yet this reader is not unhappy for how this variation turned out.
This brief variation is highly recommended for those who are pressed for time. Satisfying because of how well the author words everything; every word counts. The only down side to this is how sudden the story ended, albeit it being a happily ever after. This reader hoped the ending was drawn out more.
The premise of this variation is that Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy meet long before the Meryton Assembly, brought together by an accident that may have turned tragic if not for the generous deeds and swift action by the gentleman in question. The Gardiners and Elizabeth Bennet end up being stranded in Mr. Darcy’s estate as titled. This is where our beloved couple begins to know each other and discover their feelings for one another. Written solely in Elizabeth’s point-of-view. More like a manuscript for a longer more elaborate novel, yet this reader is not unhappy for how this variation turned out.
October 27, 2021
4 & 1/2 stars rounded to 5.
This has a gothic / melancholy feel to it. Not a lot of romance but still beautifully written like all of this author's work is.
This has a gothic / melancholy feel to it. Not a lot of romance but still beautifully written like all of this author's work is.
January 11, 2022
Refreshing
I really enjoyed this Jane Eyre-like tale, told in first person- which is rare in the genre. I found it refreshing.
I really enjoyed this Jane Eyre-like tale, told in first person- which is rare in the genre. I found it refreshing.
December 18, 2021
In the spirit of Christmas I’m giving it 3 stars. It was a nice story but I don’t necessarily see myself re-reading.
Elizabeth is traveling with the Gardiners to Longbourne for Christmas when their carriage overturns. They happen to be on Pemberly property and Darcy offers them shelter.
Aunt Gardiner unfortunately develops a fever.
They stay during the Christmas holiday.
Lizzy cares for her aunt during her illness.
Georgiana has isolated herself in her room the past 4 months due to her “disappointment.”
Lizzy and Georgiana become friends and Georgiana comes out of her room. Darcy is grateful and falls in love with Elizabeth.
No other characters are seen; Colonel Fitzwilliam is heard but unseen.
Elizabeth is traveling with the Gardiners to Longbourne for Christmas when their carriage overturns. They happen to be on Pemberly property and Darcy offers them shelter.
Aunt Gardiner unfortunately develops a fever.
They stay during the Christmas holiday.
Lizzy cares for her aunt during her illness.
Georgiana has isolated herself in her room the past 4 months due to her “disappointment.”
Lizzy and Georgiana become friends and Georgiana comes out of her room. Darcy is grateful and falls in love with Elizabeth.
No other characters are seen; Colonel Fitzwilliam is heard but unseen.
October 30, 2021
Hinting, more than mushy
The Gardiners and Elizabeth suffer a carriage accident on Pemberley grounds and Lizzy learns to know Darcy on his own turf. Georgiana is a recluse. It's written in first person point of view.
The Gardiners and Elizabeth suffer a carriage accident on Pemberley grounds and Lizzy learns to know Darcy on his own turf. Georgiana is a recluse. It's written in first person point of view.
November 29, 2023
Fairly low-angst reinvention of Pride and Prejudice - one could not call it a variation. But it was well-written and short enough to make an evening's reading with a bit of holiday spirit.
June 24, 2025
I loved it! It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. This is a Pride and Prejudice variation. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is Book 4 in the Ardent Admiration series.
A dreadful accident befalls the Gardiner family while travelling in Derbyshire with their niece Elizabeth Bennet just before Christmas in 1810. With her beloved aunt gravely injured, Elizabeth is forced to seek help from the inhabitants of the grand Pemberley estate. The formerly happy party finds itself stranded at Pemberley, a hauntingly beautiful albeit empty, joyless, and sometimes frightening estate. Its master is taciturn and unwelcoming, and it is the very last place in the world that Elizabeth wanted or expected to spend Christmas.
Elizabeth’s natural spirits cannot be repressed however, and amid trying to create Christmas joy for the Gardiner children and tend to her aunt, she begins to ask questions. Who is the nameless soldier who comes and goes? Who is the feminine figure she glimpses time and again? Who is the real master of Pemberley, the handsome and inscrutable Mr Darcy, or the unexpectedly kind gentleman who seems to wish to spend time with her? What is the reason for the strange dark sadness that hangs over the place, despite the season, and can Elizabeth, with the magic of Christmas, be the one to break it? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
A dreadful accident befalls the Gardiner family while travelling in Derbyshire with their niece Elizabeth Bennet just before Christmas in 1810. With her beloved aunt gravely injured, Elizabeth is forced to seek help from the inhabitants of the grand Pemberley estate. The formerly happy party finds itself stranded at Pemberley, a hauntingly beautiful albeit empty, joyless, and sometimes frightening estate. Its master is taciturn and unwelcoming, and it is the very last place in the world that Elizabeth wanted or expected to spend Christmas.
Elizabeth’s natural spirits cannot be repressed however, and amid trying to create Christmas joy for the Gardiner children and tend to her aunt, she begins to ask questions. Who is the nameless soldier who comes and goes? Who is the feminine figure she glimpses time and again? Who is the real master of Pemberley, the handsome and inscrutable Mr Darcy, or the unexpectedly kind gentleman who seems to wish to spend time with her? What is the reason for the strange dark sadness that hangs over the place, despite the season, and can Elizabeth, with the magic of Christmas, be the one to break it? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
October 30, 2021
While travelling in Derbyshire just before Christmas, the Gardiner family and their niece Elizabeth Bennet are involved in a terrible carriage accident. Her small cousins are frightened, her aunt is gravely injured, and her Uncle is in shock. Elizabeth takes charge, then runs for help as fast as her feet will carry her. The nearest house is Pemberley, a massive property belonging to Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Quickly recovering from the initial shock at the impropriety of a lady running, Darcy leads a team of his staff to assist. The whole family are brought to stay at Pemberley, which is a beautiful but strangely joyless and rather frightening place
Elizabeth works hard to care for her aunt and cousins. She is an attentive nurse to her aunt as they pray for her recovery and tries to entertain her young cousins. When it becomes apparent that they will not be leaving in time for Christmas, she makes plans to inject some festive cheer.
During her free hours, she walks the grounds, getting to know and appreciate Mr Darcy and itching to solve the mystery of Pemberley. Who the woman hiding on the top floor of the house and what has happened to the soldier who wanders the grounds, out of his wits?
This was an entertaining read. Quite gothic at the start but mellows as it goes on.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Quickly recovering from the initial shock at the impropriety of a lady running, Darcy leads a team of his staff to assist. The whole family are brought to stay at Pemberley, which is a beautiful but strangely joyless and rather frightening place
Elizabeth works hard to care for her aunt and cousins. She is an attentive nurse to her aunt as they pray for her recovery and tries to entertain her young cousins. When it becomes apparent that they will not be leaving in time for Christmas, she makes plans to inject some festive cheer.
During her free hours, she walks the grounds, getting to know and appreciate Mr Darcy and itching to solve the mystery of Pemberley. Who the woman hiding on the top floor of the house and what has happened to the soldier who wanders the grounds, out of his wits?
This was an entertaining read. Quite gothic at the start but mellows as it goes on.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
November 16, 2021
This is a very sweet, clean Regency Romance of Elizabeth Bennetand Fitzwilliam Darcy. The tale varies from the original in several ways. Lizzy is only 19. She first meets Mr. Darcy when she is involved in a carriage accident while traveling with the Gardiners. And this book borders on Gothic in its mystery to unravel in the dark, drab, atmosphere of this Pemberly.
The story telling by this author is excellent, as she pulls you in. My only disappointment was the utterly quick wrap up of the book. It did not give us any of the courtship or romance between the two main characters. But overall, still quite good.
The story telling by this author is excellent, as she pulls you in. My only disappointment was the utterly quick wrap up of the book. It did not give us any of the courtship or romance between the two main characters. But overall, still quite good.
February 11, 2023
I listened to this story with the audiobook 'Tis the Season. Stevie Zimmerman is a wonderful narrator.
This story was more dramatic than the stories previous to it in this anthology. Beginning with a serious carriage accident certainly was an attention grabbing moment to start this drama. And the fact that there was not an immediate recovery continued the angst throughout. I enjoyed watching Lizzy learn to better understand Darcy and Darcy's admiration for her. Lizzy's tender care for Georgiana was truly something to fall in love over. But I would have liked to have learned what happened with the bleeding boy in the accident.
This story was more dramatic than the stories previous to it in this anthology. Beginning with a serious carriage accident certainly was an attention grabbing moment to start this drama. And the fact that there was not an immediate recovery continued the angst throughout. I enjoyed watching Lizzy learn to better understand Darcy and Darcy's admiration for her. Lizzy's tender care for Georgiana was truly something to fall in love over. But I would have liked to have learned what happened with the bleeding boy in the accident.
December 4, 2025
CAWPILE makes this seem like it isn't very good, but it really was. The problem, is that it's far too short. Various threads are teased and then left untouched, characterizations are hard to nail down due to the lack of time to observe them. It was just far far too short, which is sad because I feel that it had the potential to be more. I did enjoy it, but the ending was super rushed into an epilogue meant to span at least a year's time. I was left feeling unsatisfied because I wanted so much more.
October 29, 2021
The Gardiner family befalls an accident and must seek help of the inhabitants of Pemberley Manor. Things are not always what they seem. Not exactly the most festive places for Christmas. This is a regent romance, with Darcy. I enjoyed the story and the plot. There was some mystery surrounding some of the characters. It was a pleasant holiday story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2021
Story happened years before the original P & P. There was a carriage accident and Mrs. Gardiner was injured close to Pemberley. The Gardiners with Lizzy had to stay in the area during the holidays.
This is a sweet, short retelling of Pride and Prejudice. It has the characterization of the original with slight misunderstandings and the happy ending.A great read for the holidays for P & P fans.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a sweet, short retelling of Pride and Prejudice. It has the characterization of the original with slight misunderstandings and the happy ending.A great read for the holidays for P & P fans.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2022
Miss Elizabeth Bennet's tenacity is brought to the for in an emergency and doesn't go unnoticed.
This is story introduces a strong resourceful Elizabeth Bennet, her precocious cousins and their loving parents. Mr. and Miss Darcy and members of their household are also introduced. I especially appreciated the way each one is shown to be a caring individual. Although short in length it is a fully developed story and quite enjoyable.
This is story introduces a strong resourceful Elizabeth Bennet, her precocious cousins and their loving parents. Mr. and Miss Darcy and members of their household are also introduced. I especially appreciated the way each one is shown to be a caring individual. Although short in length it is a fully developed story and quite enjoyable.
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